The holidays can be a difficult time for senior citizens, especially for those unable to spend time with loved ones.

Home Instead Senior Care in Victoria is hosting its annual “Be a Santa to a Senior” program to bring some comfort and holiday cheer to Crossroads residents.

Participating locations will display trees until Dec. 18 with paper ornaments featuring seniors’ first names and their desired gifts.

Holiday shoppers can choose an ornament, buy the requested gift and return it to the store with the ornament attached.

Community volunteers and program partners will wrap and deliver the gifts to local seniors just in time for the holidays.

Stephanie Niles, owner of the Victoria Home Instead Senior Care office, said research suggests feelings of loneliness can have a real effect on both mental and physical health.

“The holidays are a prime time for many people to feel lonely, and that may be especially true for seniors who cannot travel from their homes or have lost their support network,” she said.

Many of the gifts requested are small, such as slippers or household items.

The program is made possible through the support of Crossroads businesses, nonprofit organizations, retailers and community volunteers.

The company has partnered this year with AARN Home Health, Shop the World, Sonic Drive-In, First Convenience Bank, Meals on Wheels, Boy Scouts, the high school National Honor Society and Industrial Elementary School to help with gift collection and distribution.

“We’re excited to get started and see the tree ornaments turn into meaningful gifts and interactions that can make a real impact on seniors’ quality of life this holiday season,” Niles said.